Besides, there was the initial handicapping knowledge that Jocelyn was so much cleverer than himself.
"Whether it is a matter of business or not," she cried with glittering eyes, "I want you to tell Mr.Meredith now.

He has a right to know.
Tell him upon what condition Mr.Durnovo proposed to admit you into the Simiacine." Maurice still hesitated, bewildered, at a loss--as men are when a seemingly secure secret is suddenly discovered to the world.

He would still have tried to fend it off; but Jack Meredith, with his keener perception, saw that Jocelyn was determined--that further delay would only make the matter worse.
"If your sister wants it," he said, "you had better tell me.

I am not the sort of man to act rashly--on the impulse of the moment." Still Maurice tried to find some means of evasion.
"Then," cried Jocelyn, with flaming cheeks, "_I_ will tell you.

You were to be admitted into the Simiacine scheme by Mr.Durnovo if you could persuade or force me to marry him." None of them had foreseen this.